Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Arman Tsarukyan (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Charles Oliveira (not pictured) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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UFC 311: 3 Fights That Will Impact The Course Of UFC 2025 Calendar Year!

UFC 311 holds the key to shaping the UFC 2025 landscape: three battles that could change the division’s future forever!

The UFC‘s first numbered event of 2025, UFC 311, promises to be a pivotal moment in mixed martial arts history. The fight card features three matchups, including two championship fights that could reshape entire divisions and create new storylines for 2025.

These fights aren’t just about who wins or loses; they are about the ripple effects that will be felt throughout the year. With champions looking to cement their legacies and challengers hoping to create their own, UFC 311 feels like a crossroads moment for the sport!

Also Read: Arman Tsarukyan Encourages Undefeated Champion To Move Up A Weight Class

3. Merab Dvalishvili vs. Umar Nurmagomedov

Umar Nurmagomedov will face Merab Dvalishvili in what could be a highly technical fight in the co-main event at UFC 311. The undefeated Umar carries the famous Nurmagomedov name and the wrestling pedigree that comes with it, while Merab is basically a human treadmill that never stops moving. This fight will likely determine the future of the bantamweight division, aside from the champion, obviously.

Khabib breaks down Umar vs Merab:

“Merab is the better freestyle wrestler, and Merab is better than him on pressure…

But when we see how [Umar] mixes it up… he’s one of the best right now in the world. It’s gonna be a very high level fight.”#UFC311 pic.twitter.com/z0uj4ASpXw
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 11, 2025

Both of these guys have a grinding, pressure-heavy style that makes them extremely hard to beat. Umar Nurmagomedov has an advantage in striking, but no one can match the work rate and cardio of the ‘The Machine.’ And the bad blood between them is real. This has fans on the edge of their seats about who will take the belt. There is a big possibility that whoever wins will fight Sean O’Malley next or even Petr Yan.

2. Jiri Prochazka vs. Jamahal Hill

The main card of UFC 311 features Jiri Prochazka facing Jamahal Hill in what should be absolute chaos at light heavyweight. Jiri fights like he is in a kung fu movie. He is known for his unorthodox techniques, both in training and while fighting. ‘BJP’ is not known for his defense, but his unorthodox fighting style makes up for it.

Jiri Prochazka acknowledges that maybe, sometimes, he should keep his hands up pic.twitter.com/nPmtJqE3Yd
— Oscar Willis (@oscarswillis) January 15, 2025

Jamahal Hill has the kind of power that makes people question their career choices (cue Johnny Walker KO!). He is a more technically sound fighter with a better defense and overall skillset. Both fighters have called for one more shot at the title against Alex Pereira after losing via KO to him.

Jamahal Hill thinks he’ll get a title shot over Magomed Ankalaev with a win this Saturday

Via @ufc media day pic.twitter.com/rut2aJq06l
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) January 15, 2025

This fight could very well determine who would be fighting for the LHW title in 2025. If Magomed Ankalaev doesn’t get the next title shot, one of these guys could very well be it. Besides, Prochazka thinks the third time against Pereira will be the charm, and Hill believes the first fight against ‘Poatan’ was a fluke.

1. Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan

The main event of UFC 311 is where things get really interesting. Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan rematch isn’t just a fight; it is what will craft the future of the lightweight division.

Both these fighters have a grappling-heavy game, with Makhachev’s standup game getting better in each fight (he outstriked Dustin Poirier in his last fight).

"Don't believe what Arman says."

Islam Makhachev isn't buying Arman Tsarukyan's "secret technique" for #UFC311 and points out his past inaccuracies. pic.twitter.com/C7uXkORkLW
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 15, 2025

If Islam Makhachev wins, fans might be looking at a situation similar to Khabib Nurmagomedov’s reign, where one guy just keeps smashing everyone who comes their way. The division could get a bit stale, with only Charles Oliveira as a somewhat fresh challenge on the horizon.

Makhachev is not interested in giving Ilia Topuria a shot after he defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski twice. But, a welterweight shot might be more in line if Shavkat Rakhmonov takes over Belal Muhammad’s throne.

Arman Tsarukyan trashes Islam Makhachev’s wrestling game:

🗣️Arman: “People think he’s unbeatable, like crazy wrestling’ but like I took him down when I was 22 years old.”

(Via:ArmanTsayukyan/ESPN) #UFC311 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/YmfmgBsrqY
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) January 3, 2025

If Arman Tsarukyan pulls off the win, the lightweight division suddenly becomes unpredictable. He would have a lineup of hungry contenders ready to challenge him, each bringing their own unique style and storyline. Fans would be looking at potential trilogy fight with Makhachev, battles with Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and a bunch of others waiting for their shot.

Plus, he has shown his willingness to welcome Ilia Topuria to the lightweight division. And if Dana White lets him, the featherweight champion may soon be moving up to lightweight for a chance at the second belt!

(Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images)

Alex Pereira

Arman Tsarukyan

Ilia Topuria

Islam Makhachev

Jamahal Hill

Jiri Prochazka

Merab Dvalishvili

UFC 311

Umar Nurmagomedov

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!